Adjustable Takeoff Platform for VTOL Wind Drift Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aerial vehicles experience drift due to wind during takeoff, which can be significant until they adjust their attitude to counteract wind forces, leading to potential deviations from the intended flight plan.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable takeoff platform with alignment and adjustment assemblies, including rotation and tilting mechanisms, is used to orient the VTOL vehicle before takeoff, based on weather and aircraft data, to minimize wind impact by adjusting the heading, pitch, and roll, thereby reducing drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If VTOL aerial vehicles take off in windy conditions, then they can achieve flight, but they experience drift and deviation from the intended flight plan
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving weather information and determining pre-takeoff parameters (heading, pitch, roll) before the vehicle takes off. The adjustable platform pre-orients the vehicle to counteract expected wind forces, so when the vehicle becomes airborne, it is already positioned to minimize drift, improving flight path accuracy while maintaining takeoff capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring weather conditions (wind speed, direction) and using this information to adjust the pre-takeoff parameters. The platform control system receives real-time weather data and modifies the vehicle's orientation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing conditions to maintain optimal flight path accuracy
2Measurement precision
If the VTOL vehicle adjusts its attitude to counteract wind forces, then drift is reduced, but time is lost during the adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates adjustment time during takeoff by performing the attitude adjustment in advance on the ground. The adjustable platform orients the vehicle with the correct heading, pitch, and roll before takeoff, so when the vehicle becomes airborne, it immediately has the optimal attitude to counteract wind forces, achieving both flight path accuracy and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable platform acts as an intermediary device that performs the attitude adjustment function externally before takeoff. Instead of the vehicle adjusting its attitude in-flight (which takes time), the platform pre-orients the vehicle on the ground, transferring the adjustment function from the vehicle's active control system to a passive pre-positioning mechanism
3Measurement precision
If the takeoff platform is made adjustable to pre-orient vehicles, then wind impact is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the platform adjustable rather than fixed. The platform can change its orientation (heading, pitch, roll) based on weather conditions, allowing it to adapt to different wind scenarios. This dynamic capability enables the platform to pre-orient vehicles optimally, improving flight path accuracy while using only the complexity necessary for adjustment rather than full structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by modifying the platform's orientation parameters (heading angle, pitch angle, roll angle) based on weather information. Instead of changing the physical structure, the solution changes the operational parameters of the existing platform, allowing it to optimize vehicle orientation for different wind conditions without adding structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems and methods for adjusting a takeoff platform for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aerial vehicle. The described systems and methods allow a VTOL aerial vehicle to be oriented prior to takeoff to reduce the effects that a VTOL aerial vehicle may experience due to weather conditions at takeoff. In view of the aerodynamic characteristics of a VTOL aerial vehicle and certain weather conditions, a heading, pitch, and/or roll of the VTOL can be provided to counteract the effects the VTOL may experience from the weather conditions at takeoff.